Mom kills daughter, then herself in Las Vegas hotel

Pair missed cheer competition before tragic incident

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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A mother fatally shot her cheerleader daughter in a Las Vegas hotel room before turning the gun on herself in a tragic murder-suicide, according to police. Their bodies were discovered on Sunday alongside an apparent suicide note after the pair failed to show up for a cheer competition they were in town for.

Why it matters

The incident has shocked the local cheer community and raised questions about mental health resources and support for families. It also highlights the need for greater awareness and prevention of domestic violence tragedies.

The details

Police said the mother, described as being in her 30s, shot and killed her pre-teen daughter Addi Smith sometime late Saturday before taking her own life. The bodies were found in a room at the Rio Hotel & Casino, where an apparent suicide note was also discovered. Addi and her mother Tawnia McGeehan had been reported missing after failing to show up for the cheer competition they were in Las Vegas to participate in.

  • The incident occurred late Saturday night.
  • The bodies were discovered on Sunday.

The players

Addi Smith

A pre-teen cheerleader from Salt Lake City who was killed by her mother in the tragic incident.

Tawnia McGeehan

The 30-something mother of Addi Smith who fatally shot her daughter before taking her own life.

Utah Xtreme Cheer

The cheer team that Addi Smith was a part of, which announced her passing on social media.

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What they’re saying

“With the heaviest hearts, we share the devastating news that our sweet athlete Addi has passed away. We are completely heartbroken. No words do the situation justice. She was so beyond loved, and she will always be a part of the UXC family.”

— Utah Xtreme Cheer (Instagram)

What’s next

Homicide detectives are still investigating the case to determine the full circumstances surrounding the tragic incident.

The takeaway

This heartbreaking case highlights the need for greater mental health resources and support for families, as well as increased awareness and prevention of domestic violence tragedies. The local cheer community is devastated by the loss of this young life.